Matildas captain Sam Kerr joins Kewell as young Australian achiever in UK
Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been recognised for her achievements at Chelsea by being named the 2021 young Australian achiever of the year in the UK.
Kerr is the second footballer to be recognised with the honour, awarded by the Australia Day Foundation UK, following Socceroos great Harry Kewell, who received the inaugural award in 2005.
The 27-year-old has scored seven goals in the opening 10 games of the English Women’s Super League season, helping Chelsea to top spot in the competition, and currently sits third in the golden boot standings.
“It is humbling to be recognised alongside previous winners of this award, who hail from a diverse range of backgrounds and who have all made great contributions to various areas of society,” Kerr said.
“Socceroos great Harry Kewell was the first recipient of this award in 2005, so it is a massive honour for me to be recognised for my efforts in British football, like Harry was 16 years ago.”
Kerr, who received the award in a virtual ceremony overnight, is the 17th winner of the young achiever of the year in the UK award, which recognises the achievements of a young Australian in the UK who has excelled in any field of endeavour.
The Matildas striker was previously named young Australian of the year in 2018.
“Sam has performed strongly for Chelsea FC since her arrival at the club and as one of the best footballers in the world, immediately lifts the profile of the club and the league,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.
“We congratulate her for being recognised as a young Australian leader contributing positively to her sport, and society, in the United Kingdom.
“Sam is a fantastic ambassador for women’s football, in Australia and globally, and we are so proud to have her showcasing Australian football on the world stage.”